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Characterization of a polymorphic IGLV gene in pigs (Sus scrofa)
John C Schwartz1, Michael P Murtaugh
1Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, 1971 Commonwealth Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA, john.schwartz@pirbright.ac.uk.
Immunogenetics
|June 18, 2014
Summary
Swine antibody repertoires are unique, utilizing both lambda and kappa light chains. A specific IGLV gene, crucial for antibody production, was found to be present in some pigs but entirely absent in others, explaining immune response variations.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Veterinary Science
Background:
- Swine antibody repertoires utilize both lambda and kappa light chain isotypes, similar to humans but unlike other artiodactyls.
- Previous characterization of porcine antibody light chain loci revealed extensive allelic variation within an individual Duroc sow.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent of variation in porcine antibody light chain genes between individual pigs.
- To identify and characterize immunoglobulin lambda variable (IGLV) genes in swine.
Main Methods:
- Deep sequencing of cDNA-derived amplicons from five pigs.
- Identification and characterization of immunoglobulin lambda variable (IGLV) genes.
Main Results:
- An IGLV gene was identified that is functional and highly expressed in some pigs.
- This same IGLV gene was found to be completely absent in other pigs.
- Significant individual-to-individual variation in IGLV gene presence and expression was observed.
Conclusions:
- The presence or absence of specific IGLV genes contributes to individual variation in swine antibody repertoires.
- This genetic variation may explain differences in immune responses to vaccination, infection, and disease outcomes in pigs.
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